Pewter Alloys

Pewter and alloys made from Tin have been in existence for more than 2000 years and NEY has been manufacturing them for almost 150 years.

There are many good publications available that describe the history of Pewter, but before the use of Pewter in British culture, records of early Pewterware were not historically well documented. What is known is that, when compared to other casting alloys with an ancient metallurgical history, Pewter with its’ low melting temperature (450F, 232C) allows for a variety of manufacturing techniques. It was an inexpensive, versatile metal used in the manufacture of functional, as well as decorative Pewter items and beautiful pieces of Pewter art. Antique Pewter items have been created since the Bronze Age but it is rare to find ancient artifacts produced from Pewter. One of the earliest pieces of antique Pewter was the Abydos Bottle found in an Egyptian tomb dating back to 1450 BC. Some experts attribute the lack of ancient artifacts to the fact that Tin is highly resistant to tarnishing and has a low melting point with little dross. This would allow ordinary people to “recycle” the metal and easily recast their old Pewterware into new shapes without special equipment or skills.

Pewter also has a rich history in British tradition. It was used as everyday tableware before ceramics became available. It had the look of sterling silver without the cost or constant upkeep. Lower class citizens could copy the silver designs of the day and produce something affordable and lasting to them that could be easily cleaned with soap ad water. This ability to mimic precious metals was expanded upon in the 20th Century when forming Fashion (Costume) Jewelry out of Pewter like alloys became the norm. Pewter items could be cast in molds of bronze or sand using the gravity method. It could also be produced by centrifugal (spin) casting, using rubber or silicone molds which became abundant in the 1960’s and beyond. By pressing, rolling, spinning on a lathe or hand forming, it could be manipulated into many beautiful forms and designs. These processes are still the primary techniques found in manufacture today.

In the early 1970’s, The Association of British Pewter Craftsmen created a strict guideline for the range of elements: Tin (Sn) 91.5% minimum, Antimony (Sb) 8% maximum, Copper (Cu) 2.5% maximum, Bismuth (Bi) 0-5% maximum. A casters stamp (mark) was issued to assure that these guidelines were met. The American Pewter Guild set their own limits along with the Federal Trade Commission by defining Pewter as a “metal alloy product of which the chemical composition shall be not less than 90% Grade A Tin, with the remainder composed of metals appropriate for use in Pewter.” This opened the door to many new alloys that were then used to produce Pewter Figurines, Fashion Jewelry, Ornamental Items, Plates, Flatware, Charms, Goblets and Tankards.

It is interesting to note that Bismuth was not a common metal found in Pewter. Only in the Mid 1980’s did it become a valuable addition. NEY Smelting & Refining Co. Inc. was instrumental in designing new alloys in 1989 that would cast well and be certified Lead free. With much time and patience, NEY worked with prestigious casting houses in Manhattan, (the hub of Pewter casting, until it was moved to Rhode Island) to formulate a Lead Free Pewter that casts well. It was determined that Bismuth could be used to replace the Lead and Silver could be used to replace the Toxic Cadmium, found in many Pewter Alloys. The Silver acted like Cadmium in the alloy which was used as a metal grain refiner. This allowed a smoother surface for polishing or plating. Today those formulas are still the building blocks for our NEY Lead Free alloys, such as our best-selling ENTB alloy, with less than 40 ppm (parts per million) Lead and certified food grade safe.

Whatever type of Pewter or custom Tin formula you require, NEY is here to help with all of our years of alloying experience.

Featured Product Specifications

ProductName

ProductCode

Form

ProductDescription

Lead Free Pewter with Silver

798NENTB

4-5 Ingot

Tin: 97-99% with Bismuth and Silver in a proprietary formula.

This is a high purity Tin based Lead Free Pewter Alloy, that meets or exceeds most Lead Free requirements. We certify it to be less than 50 ppm Lead Content. It works well in Spin Cast Rubber or Silicone Molds for designs with thick cross sections or a smooth, polished finish and some malleability.

Lead Free Pewter with Silver

798NENT

4-5 Ingot

Tin: 97-99% with Bismuth and Silver in a proprietary formula.

This is a high purity, economical version of our best selling ENTB Alloy. A Tin based Lead Free Pewter Alloy that does not contain Antimony. This is important for some regulations, especially in the European markets. It works well in Spin Cast Rubber or Silicone Molds for designs with thick cross sections or a smooth, polished finish and some malleability.

Lead Free Pewter (Britannia)

791NR8

4-5 Ingot

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This is a Lead Free Pewter, also referred to as a Britannia Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Molds for designs, such as Fashion (Costume) Jewelry, with thin cross sections or fine filigree and maximum detail requiring less malleability and more strength.

Lead Free Pewter (Gravity Cast)

791NB7

4-5 Ingot

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This Lead Free Pewter Alloy is high in Copper to allow it to work well in Open Face, Gravity Pour, Sand and Cast Iron Molds with maximum detail. Has good strength.

Lead Free Pewter Alloy - B7

791NB7C

5 lb. Ingot- Cut At Each Notch- approx. 1#

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This Lead Free Pewter Alloy is in an easy to handle form. It work well in Open Face, Gravity Pour, Sand and Cast Iron Molds with maximum detail. It has good strength due to the increased Copper content.

Lead Free Pewter Alloy - B7

791NB7S

1/4" and Down Shot

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This Lead Free Pewter Alloy is in shot form for small crucibles and special melts. Ideal for Trade School Classroom Environments. It is high in Copper for good strength and works well in Open Face, Gravity Pour, Sand and Cast Iron Molds with maximum detail.

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

792N9244

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Tin: 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

The Original Leaded Pewter Alloy that has been used for Pewter Figurines , It works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and High Antimony for better flow and strength.

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

793ND1

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Tin: 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

A Leaded Pewter Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds for castings that are plated. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and Low Antimony for Malleability and Less Porosity.

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

792ND3

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Tin: 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

A Leaded Pewter Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds for castings that are plated. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and Moderate Antimony for strength.

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

792ND5

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Tin; 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

A Leaded Pewter Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds for castings that are plated. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and a High percentage of Antimony for better flow and strength.

Lead Free Pewter with Silver

Product Code

798NENTB

Form

4-5 Ingot

Product Description

Tin: 97-99% with Bismuth and Silver in a proprietary formula.

This is a high purity Tin based Lead Free Pewter Alloy, that meets or exceeds most Lead Free requirements. We certify it to be less than 50 ppm Lead Content. It works well in Spin Cast Rubber or Silicone Molds for designs with thick cross sections or a smooth, polished finish and some malleability."

Lead Free Pewter with Silver

Product Code

798NENT

Form

4-5 Ingot

Product Description

Tin: 97-99% with Bismuth and Silver in a proprietary formula.

This is a high purity, economical version of our best selling ENTB Alloy. A Tin based Lead Free Pewter Alloy that does not contain Antimony. This is important for some regulations, especially in the European markets. It works well in Spin Cast Rubber or Silicone Molds for designs with thick cross sections or a smooth, polished finish and some malleability."

Lead Free Pewter (Britannia)

Product Code

791NR8

Form

4-5 Ingot

Product Description

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This is a Lead Free Pewter, also referred to as a Britannia Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Molds for designs, such as Fashion (Costume) Jewelry, with thin cross sections or fine filigree and maximum detail requiring less malleability and more strength."

Lead Free Pewter (Gravity Cast)

Product Code

791NB7

Form

4-5 Ingot

Product Description

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This Lead Free Pewter Alloy is high in Copper to allow it to work well in Open Face, Gravity Pour, Sand and Cast Iron Molds with maximum detail. Has good strength."

Lead Free Pewter Alloy - B7

Product Code

791NB7C

Form

5 lb. Ingot- Cut At Each Notch- approx. 1#

Product Description

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This Lead Free Pewter Alloy is in an easy to handle form. It work well in Open Face, Gravity Pour, Sand and Cast Iron Molds with maximum detail. It has good strength due to the increased Copper content."

Lead Free Pewter Alloy - B7

Product Code

791NB7S

Form

1/4" and Down Shot

Product Description

Tin: 91-93% with Antimony and Copper.

This Lead Free Pewter Alloy is in shot form for small crucibles and special melts. Ideal for Trade School Classroom Environments. It is high in Copper for good strength and works well in Open Face, Gravity Pour, Sand and Cast Iron Molds with maximum detail."

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

Product Code

792N9244

Form

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Product Description

Tin: 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

The Original Leaded Pewter Alloy that has been used for Pewter Figurines , It works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and High Antimony for better flow and strength."

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

Product Code

793ND1

Form

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Product Description

Tin: 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

A Leaded Pewter Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds for castings that are plated. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and Low Antimony for Malleability and Less Porosity.

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

Product Code

792ND3

Form

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Product Description

Tin: 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

A Leaded Pewter Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds for castings that are plated. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and Moderate Antimony for strength.

Custom Spin Cast Pewter with Lead

Product Code

792ND5

Form

4-5 Ney Ingot (100 lb. Minimum)

Product Description

Tin; 91-93% with Lead and Antimony. Balance of Formula is Proprietary.

A Leaded Pewter Alloy that works well in Spin Cast Rubber and Silicone Molds for castings that are plated. Contains Lead to reduce porosity and a High percentage of Antimony for better flow and strength.